TheBible makes it pretty clear: God wants us to sing. The canon of scripture includes an entire book of songs, mostly written by the person God described as “a man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22). God wants us to sing.

Psalms 95:1 and 95:2 says, “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence withthanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” Most church services utilize music in one way or another.

Music is referenced all through the bible; not just in Psalms.It’s exciting to read how the Israelites, immediately after being broughtthroughthe Red Sea, broke out into singing (and dancing! Exodus 15).There are examples in the Bible ofcongregationsof people singing and there are examples of peopleappointedassingersin service to the Lord.When music is used in true worship, it has the power to move the heart of God.

Somepeoplesay music is just used “to stir up emotion” (that’s a common argument against certain styles of music in church), butlet me share with you anexamplefromscripturethatmakes the importance of music in worship pretty clear!In2 Chronicles,Chapter5, we read about the dedication of the temple builtby Solomon. Verses13and 14 say, “It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments ofmusick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercyendurethfor ever: thatthenthe house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud:for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.”Wow!!It was the praises lifted up through music thatushered inthe presence of God.

As a singer, I have somepersonal “rules” to make my sure my ministryhas the correct motives. I sing for these three reasons:

Usually, these three purposes are achieved together, but if a song doesn’t do at least one of these things, then I shouldn’t sing it. And I think the same standards should be applied to all music within the church.

Using music to praise Godand to worship Himis an obvious purpose.That’s the common theme throughout thePsalms.There are also examples of music being used to share God’s word.Colossians3:16says,“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”Teaching and admonishing come through songs based on the Word.

Then we have the concept of “edifying”.1 Corinthians 14:26says,“How is it then, brethren?whenye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” Here we have an instruction from Paul that there should be order in a church service (order meaning, not everybody trying to do whatever they feel like) and that theministrations, including the music, should edify the body.

Let’s talk about this word “edify”. Edifyingthe bodydoesn’t meanjust makingpeople feelhappy.Edifying the body means drawingpeople into sincere worship or encouragingthemin some wayin their walk with the Lord.

When the three motives listed above are the primary concern of musicians, then the music can be a powerful complement to the worship service, regardless of the level of talent or the style of music. (Obviously, we all have different gifts and not everybody is meant to stand up and give a solo, but I have been very blessed by some off-key singersbefore, because they werebeing obedient and singing for the glory of God.)

Speaking of styles of music, let me say this:God owns every beat, every rhythm, every note, every chord, every chord progression, every melody, every harmony, every key, every instrument;and they all can be used for His gloryIFthemusic exaltsHim, promotesthe gospel, or edifiesthe bodyof Christ.That being said, in a worship service it is also important to maintain a tone of reverence. Balancing pure motives and musical style preferenceswith a reverent attitudeis important.

For musicians who minister outside of their home church, I think it is important to be respectful of a congregations’ over-all style of worship.My roots are inSouthern Gospeland theBroadmanHymnal, but I also sing and write Praise andWorship musicand songs some might consider “contemporary”. If I’m going to achurchwith a more “contemporary” style of worship, I might sing allofthe above stylesof musicbecause no one is going to be offended by ahymn. But, if I’m going to a very traditional church, I’m going to be mindful about avoiding the use of soundtrackswitha more contemporary sound, UNLESS I hear from the Lord that He wants me sing a specific song.

I believe the three rules I've listed for using music in worship are important litmus tests, because so many other facets of music in worship are just matters of personal preference. I love to clap my hands when I singwith the choiror congregation (and sometimes slap my hymn book as an instrument!), and while there’s definitely a biblical basis for that, nowhere is it written that a person HAS to do that as part of their worship.That’s an area where we have some liberty with our worship.

Whether the style is traditional or contemporary, our motives must be kept in check.I’ve been in “contemporary” services where theLordfellowshippedwith His people through their offering of music. I’ve also been in contemporary services where theband seemed more interested in laying down the bass than leading the congregation to worship. I’ve heard and sung songs by Bill and Gloria Gaither in services where the presence of the Lord was so sweet and so real, but thenI’vealso heard those same-type songs performed in what felt likejustan entertainment act.While we should enjoy church, and we should enjoy music in church,when we set aside time to worship, a mood of reverence should be maintained, and theintentof our musical worship should beabove reproach.

Let me leave you withabeautiful example of the use of music in worship: Our Lord sang. I am grateful that a friend recently pointed out to me the verse in Matthew that refers to Jesus singing. What abeautiful thought! Speaking about the Last Supper, the Bible says, “And when they had sunganhymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” (Matthew 26:30)JesusconcludedHistime of fellowship withHis disciples with asong.Meditate on that.

Thank you for reading! I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Please post your comments below.

I never noticed that Matthew verse!! Cool! I also love singing praises to God at home alone. Brings me closer to Him!

Reply

Ann Crews

5/12/2017 10:42:43 am

Yes, to all types of music, with our purpose in mind. Praise, worship, prayer, God wants to hear it. I wondered what may have been the hymn and what I've found indicates possibly Psalms 115-118. This is part of Hallel, so awesome! The Word, Jesus, living, speaking, and singing!

Reply

Heather

5/12/2017 11:56:10 am

That's great information!! Thanks, Ann!

Heather

5/12/2017 11:55:23 am

Definitely!!
Thanks for commenting. Have a good day, Lynn!

Reply

Mary Robbins

5/15/2017 11:01:30 pm

Thank you for sharing Heather! I am new to my choir at my church but love to share my passion for the Lord with song. It is a great to worship and lift up others with song.

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Heather

5/15/2017 11:02:50 pm

Proud of you, Mary!! Keep singing!!

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Susie

5/16/2017 08:11:00 am

I am encouraged by your wise words!! Thank you for posting.

Reply

Heather

5/16/2017 08:59:03 am

Thanks for reading, Susie! And thanks again for the inspiration!

Reply

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Thank you for visiting my blog. I share devotional and Bible study-type posts as well as musings about my life, parenting, and the writing journey. I also share important news about my books. I hope you find something encouraging and/or entertaining here.